Sheriff: Man accused of arson wanted 'fresh start'

DRAIN, Ore. -- A Drain man is behind bar, after Sheriff's deputies say he set fire to his house so he could have a "fresh start."

Fire crews were called to a home on Krewson Drive just before 11 p.m. on Sunday after a Douglas County Sheriff's deputy says he saw flames coming from the home.

The deputy stopped to investigate and said he found the the homeowner, John David Colburn, 45, walking down the driveway.

Colburn allegedly told the deputy that he had started the fire because he wanted a fresh start, and that there wasn't anyone inside the residence.

During the investigation, deputies learned that Colburn's mother was inside another residence, approximately 150 feet away from the house that was set on fire.

North Douglas Fire and EMS responded to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries.

Colburn was arrested and charged by the Sheriff's office with First Degree Arson and several counts of Restraining Order Violation for sending several text messages to his ex-wife earlier in the day.

The investigation is continuing.

The State Fire Marshall's Office is assisting with the investigation.